Understanding the Perseverance of the Muscular Dystrophy Community One-Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: In this study, we examined the long-term social and health impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people with muscular dystrophy.

Methods: We modified our prior COVID-19 Impact Survey to assess impacts from the continuing pandemic using feedback from muscular dystrophy experts, patients, and advocacy group/registry representatives. The survey assessed COVID-19 medical history, and the effects of the pandemic on social aspects, muscle disease, and medical care. We also used the validated 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. The de-identified, electronic survey was distributed to adults with muscular dystrophy via international patient registries and advocacy group websites from February 8, 2021 to March 22, 2021.

Results: Respondents (n = 1243 : 49% Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD); 43% Myotonic Dystrophy (DM), and 8% Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD)) were mostly women and middle-aged (range 18-90 years). Rates of COVID-19 infections were low at 8% with zero deaths. Reported recovery times were also short with only 9% reporting a recovery period greater than eight weeks, and 7% requiring hospitalization with one individual requiring a ventilator. Major challenges reported during the pandemic included stress management, particularly for those with LGMD (27%), and wearing a mask (24%). The majority reported a slight worsening of their disease state. Respondents reported moderate stress levels (stress score = 16.4; range = 0-39), with higher stress levels reported by women and those under age 30 years. Seventy-percent of participants who had telemedicine visits were satisfied with the encounters; however, most reported a preference for in-person visits.

Conclusions: People with muscular dystrophy found ways to manage their stress and overcome obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 infection rates and medical complications were similar to a general population. Telemedicine visits may have a more permanent role in care.